Newsaround - Spring 2012
Make your child’s computer fun magical, and safe!
In a nationwide initiative, UPC Ireland has launched Magic Desktop, an innovative piece of free software which will help parents as they encourage children to play and learn in a safe computing environment. Designed specially for children from two to ten years of age, UPC Magic Desktop allows them to have fun safely through adelightful desktop interface of their own while sealing off the wider computer and managing online access with parental controls.
UPC Magic Desktop early learning programmes and clever games are designed to help children get the most from their computer usage. Fun features include children’s mail, reading, writing, numbers, maths, painting and music. Features for parents include computer access controls, system and data protection and content supervision. They can approve and manage what their children can access and who they can contact.
UPC has a strong commitment to digital inclusion for all, early skills development and online safety. Unlike most parental control software, which requires you to block websites that could be inappropriate, the Magic Desktop requires parents to pre-approve the websites that children can access. This gives them total control over their children’s computer usage and provides a very enjoyable and entertaining experience for young children. The windows based software is free to download for every household, family or school in Ireland at www.upc.ie/magicdesktop
Galway City Karting is a fantastic place for a birthday party or family celebrations like communion or confirmation.Celebrating their 1st year in business in Galway, they have the highest quality kids & adults karts (suitable for children age 7 and over) and amazing new 20,000 sqft racing track. Fantastic special offer for Birthday Parties and Communion & Confirmation parties
HALF PRICE PARTY FOOD €2.50*ONLY IF YOU MENTION PRIMARY TIMES WHEN BOOKING! (*minimum 10 children party)
The half price food offer is exclusive to Primary Times and also applies to school groups. Open Mon- Fri 2-10pm and Sat/Sun 12-10pm.
LiosbanInd Est., Tuam Rd, Galway City. T: 091 440136E: info@galwaycitykarting.ie W: www.galwaycitykarting.ie
Easter & Summer Camps at Shannon Leisure Centre
Shannon Leisure Centre has state of the art leisure and training facilities both indoor and outdoor. Facilities include swimming pool, climbing wall, tennis courts, fully equipped fitness suite, café and TirnanOg playground. Shannon Leisure offers ongoing swimming lessons for all agegroups, fantastic options for school tours, Easter and summer camps which can include: Climbing Wall session, Soccer, Fun Swimming, Basketball, Badminton, Dodgeball, Disco dancing Classes, Gigantic McFlatable, Hockey, Arts & Crafts, Bouncing Castles, Playground, Giant skiis, Obstacle course, Tennis, Tag Rugby, Spike Ball, Fustal, Volleyball and ZORBING! Shannon Leisure is also a great venue for a birthday party with a variety of fun activities on offer. See the website www.shannonleisurecentre.ie or www.facebook.com/Shannon.Leisure.Centre.
Contact 061 361841 or info@shannonleisurecentre.ie
Effective Family Relationships comes to Limerick & Clare
Suitable for parents and those working with children, Growing Relationships deals with challenging behaviours and building good working relationships with young people and families. Growing Relationships also provides customised training on behaviour and communication, to schools and pre schools in your area. Ann Marie Coghlan has many years experience in teaching children three to 13 years of age, supporting children with specific needs (and their parents) in accessing education, leading and facilitating schools in times of rapid change, and supporting schools in promoting Best Practice in Inclusion. Growing Relationships is now available in Limerick and Clare - please call Ann Marie on 087 9562840 or see www.growingrelationships.org
Sligo school finalists at World Irish Aid Awards
Congratulations to Our Lady of Mercy National School, Sligo, finalists in the World Irish Aid Awards with their project ‘Our World - The Journey’. Over 9,000 primary school children took part in the seventh annual awards, from over 450 primary schools across Ireland, submitting a host of creative projects with the theme ‘Caring for the Planet, Feeding Our World’. The Sligo pupils showcased their winning project at a special awards ceremony in Dublin Castle on February 21st and were honoured with an Award of Excellence With the help of their teachers, pupils explored the day-to-day challenges faced by children in developing countries and created multi-media projects, using art, drama, writing, poetry, film or music. For more information, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie/ourworld/our-awards.html
Congratulations to Galway Educate Together School who received a top national award for their website in the Eircom Junior Spiders Web Awards announced in December. Galway Educate Together, which has a multi-denominational ethos, received the ‘Best School Website’ Award at the recent Eircom Junior Spiders Web Awards for their website www.getns.ie. Congratulations also to Scoil Ursula in Sligo for winning the ‘Best Project’ award for Mr Mitchell’s Class blog. For information on how to enter this year see www.juniorspiders.ie
Make this year’s Communion/Confirmation even more special, by helping Make-A-Wish Ireland® grant a child’s wish
It is that time of year again when children across the country are excitedly preparing for their communions and confirmations, with this special event in their lives approaching Make-A-Wish Ireland® would like to ask children to think about those who are less fortunate than themselves.
Make-A-Wish would be delighted to provide individuals or their communion/confirmationclasses with a special Certificate of thanks, celebrating their donation and thanking them for their thoughtfulness and support. For further information please contact Michelle at Make-A-Wish on 01 2052012 or by email at michelle@makeawish.ie
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Charity looking for volunteers as it celebrates 10th anniversary
The Meningitis Trust is looking for volunteers to join in and help make its 10th anniversary year in 2012 the biggest year yet in the fight against meningitis. The Trust works throughout Ireland to raise awareness and support everyone affected by meningitis. Their helpline number is 1800 523 196.
Knowing the symptoms can and does save lives. Anyone interested in exploring volunteering or business partnership opportunities can find out more from Carole on 01 276 2050. You can also like them at www.facebook.com/MeningitisTrustIreland.
Kids hit the right note with Ceol Ireland
Ceol Ireland’s support programme for the music curriculum is a new, innovative model of curricular music support to advance the aims and objectives of the Primary School Music Syllabus for teachers and students in all pre and primary schools in Ireland. Developed by Carmel Dunne and Ali Guisti, the programme is now being used by teachers in 350 primary and pre-schools, all over Ireland, who are using the teacher training, weekly lesson plans and resource materials in their classrooms.
Teachers don’t need a musical background, because the Ceol programmes are so teacher friendly that you can learn as you go and the children learn through fun, games and stories. The programme includes scripted lesson plans, resource materials and teacher aids, teacher training DVDs and CDs of songs & activities. For information contact Carmel on 087 9036139. www.ceolireland.ie
New Maths competition for schools with €2,000 up for grabs
4to12maths.com is an Irish site that has just been launched to help improve primary school children’s maths in a fun and effective way. The brainchild of John Hogan and Tom Cassidy who, like all parents, want the best for their children, 4to12maths.com aims to re-enforce what is being taught in our schools.
The design and graphics on the website are child friendly and make the site very easy to use. When using the child friendly site children Practice skills and when they master the skill they receive a Star. As an incentive for the children, parents or teachers can set Awards that can be claimed when the child earns enough stars.
“Normally I have a hard time getting my son to do his Maths. Once he saw the stars and awards I had a hard time getting him off the computer,” said one Cork parent. Aligned with the Irish Primary School Curriculum, the star reward system reinforces good maths practice and the awards encourage a distinct interest in maths.
For a limited time only, parents can avail of a free trial to get their children up and running on the website by visiting www.4to12maths.com
PARENTS & TEACHERS: If your school would like to enter the Maths competition to win €2,000 prize fund, visit www.4to12maths.com for more information.
Have a blast at Danceworld summer camp – book now
DANCEWORLD SUMMER DANCE BLAST CAMP........For the first time ever coming to the West this July will bring top choreographers to the Ballina Arts Centre where workshops in Hip-Hop, locking, popping, House, performance and more will commence. Watch this space as more information will follow in the next issue about this once off event... which promises to be amazing with top international choreographers, definitely adding the WOW factor. Suitable from eight years and over.Danceworld is Mayo’s largest and most successful academy of dance and performance, run by Áine Egan, a Ballina born performer and teacher who has dedicated most of her life to the art of dance and has now expanded the ever growing school to Castlebar and Westport. Since setting up ten years ago, Danceworld has gone from strength to strength quickly establishing itself as a leader in the provision of Entertainment and Talent, with a proven track record of the highest standard. For summer camp in July 2012 – Prebooking essential on 087 2035460
The Garda Schools Primary Programme: Respectful Communication Online Pack was launched recently by the Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan. The Pack is designed to complement the delivery of the Webwise Primary Schools Programme and aims to foster a sense of care and respect for others online or when using mobile phones and to equip children with the skills to deal effectively with textbullying and cyberbullying. It will help develop and enhance the children's social skills of communication, cooperation and conflict resolution. Other elements of the generalGarda Schools Primary programme include presentations given to the school children by their local Gardaí on the role of the Garda, road/cycle Safety, bullying, vandalism, personal safety, drugs and crime prevention. Contact the Garda Schools Programme on 01 6663823 or contact your local Garda Station
The Webwise Primary Teachers’ Handbook
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD launched The Webwise Primary Teachers’ Handbook in February 2012. The Handbook has been developed for primary school teachers who wish to introduce internet safety into their teaching of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum. The handbook is also complemented by the Repectful Communication Online programme from the Garda Schools Primary Programme.Congratulations to all the schools who exhibited their fantastic projects at the RDS Primary Science Fair in January alongside the BT Young Scientist exhibition. Schools who participated from this region include Co Clare:Kilmurry N.S., Sixmilebridge, St Aidan's N.S., Shannon, Ennis N.S., Ennis, ScoilRéaltna Mara N.S., Kilkee, Scoil na MaighdineMhuire, Newmarket on Fergus. Co. Galway: ScoilIósaifNaofa, Oranmore, Coldwood N.S., Craughwell, Galway Educate Together N.S., Newcastle, ScoilMhuireGanSmál, Ballygar, ScoilMhuireGanSmál, Ballygar. Co. Limerick:St Patrick's G.N.S., Learning Hub Limerick, Kileely Co. Limerick. Co. Mayo: Gortskehy N.S., Hollymount. Co. Roscommon: Gaelscoil de hÍde, RosComáin, Carrick N.S., Ballinlough, Clooncagh N.S., Stokestown To register your school for next year call 01 240 7990 or email: primarysciencefair@rds.ie
French for Fun with La Jolie Ronde
Rhona Gomès runs a French language school, French For Fun, in Ennis, Co. Clare using the La Jolie Ronde programme. The programme has been received very positively by both parents and children. Numbers have almost tripled since the business began in February 2011. Weekly classes take place in local schools, Gaelscoil Mhicil Ciosóg, Ennis National School and Holy Family School. Saturday classes are running in Glór, Ennis, Co.Clare.
Rhona loves teaching the programme to children aged between 3 and 12 years of age and says, “The children are progressing very well and are really enjoying learning a new language”. Parents are becoming increasingly interested in exposing their child to a new language and these classes, presented in a fun and accessible manner are ideal for a child’s first introduction to a new language.
For further information on weekly classes, please contact Rhona on 086-8262500 or visit www.lajolieronde.ie
A "Star" for an Irish child – Adam Vaughan wins Galileo Drawing Competition
Adam Vaughan from St Cronan's Senior National School, Swords, Co Dublin has won the Galileo drawing competition. The 10-year old'sdrawing, entitled "The Solar System" was selected as the winner of the Irish leg of the competition. As first prize winner, one of the Galileo Satellites will be named after Adam and launched into space later this year.
The competition was organised by the European Commission to coincide with the creation of the EU's 'Galileo' satellite navigation system. Children aged between 9 and 11 were asked make a drawing representing space and satellite navigation. The Galileo Programme will launch a total of 30 satellites that will form a constellation orbiting at more than 20,000 km from earth. Each of the competition winners will have one of these satellites named after them. More Information: www.galileocontest.eu
Cork launch of Irish Fiddler app
Fifteen year old Mairéad Hickey from Cork, winner of eight all Ireland titles for her fiddle playing and the current National Concert Hall Young Musician of the Year, has released a music education application called ‘Irish Fiddler’ for the iPad and iPhone/iPod touch. The application uses a combination of video tutorials featuring Mairéad along with colour coded printable music to support students as they learn how to play three well-known Irish tunes. The application is ideal for anyone who can already play the violin, for those just starting out or if you just enjoy traditional Irish music.
Irish Fiddler can be downloaded from itunes.
11 year old Fiadh Lucey from Kenmare the youngest editor in Ireland
'GikkieBokkers' - Book One' by Jason Conway is the first in a new series of nine books for children aged seven years and over. Student FiadhLucey edited the book, and at such a young age, we reckon she’s the youngest editor in the country – thumbs up from Primary Times! Fiadh also appeared with her class on 'The Business' with George Lee recently on RTE1 TV as they were outright winners of the Junior Entrepreneur Programme in 2011. Their invention/product was a cookbook and CD-ROM featuring recipes from the eateries of Kenmare.
Signed copies of 'GikkieBokkers' are available to buy from Kenmare Bookshop and at the Book Centre Wexford, or ask your local bookstore and library to order a copy. If you’d like to find out more about this great new children’s book please visit www.gikkiebonkers.com
Termin8tors from Moycullen win Irish FIRST LEGO League Challenge 2012
A band of brothers and friends aged 9 to 14 from Moycullen in Co. Galway were named Irish champions at the FIRST LEGO League 2012, sponsored by SAP. The global theme for this year’s competition was food safety, and the “termin8tors” proved they had what was needed with their project “Food Safety Buddy” - an educational app to help the user shop, store and prepare food safely. The team is made up from various schools, both primary and secondary in the Galway and were led to victory by their hardworking parents.
Competition was hot with 23 other teams from all over the country vying for a place in the European finals of the competition which will take place in Germany in June. Following the success of last year’s winners at the global finals in St. Louis, hopes are high for the 2012 Irish team who displayed an exceptionally high standard in both their Food Factor project and Robotics challenge. This came as no surprise to the judges who remarked on the consistently high standard achieved by Irish students year on year both at home and abroad.
The Radisson Blu was transformed into a noisy, cauldron of energy and excitement for the day with a constant stream of robotics challenges taking place alongside interactive displays by Science Gallery; Irish Robotics and the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Trinity College Dublin. Not to mention the very raucous Mini Sumo Robot Battles which saw a number of high profile third level institutions vying for the newly established title!
Sodexo Ireland, the company which manages the staff restaurant at SAP Galway, made sure all contestants were happy with a packed lunch for all on the day. Speaking at the event, Bernard Kirk, Director of The Galway Education Centre said, “We are very proud to be hosting The National finals of The FIRST LEGO LEAGUE here in Galway again this year. We wish The Termin8tors the very best of luck – we have had a fantastic track record on the international stage to date and we have no doubt that this trend will continue with the team this year”.
Communions are only just around the corner
Well known Ballinrobe clothes shop, D Biggins, now have their communion stock available as of 2nd January 2012. They have over 100 dresses in stock from Olivia k, Sarah Louise, Daydream and Little People. D Biggins pride themselves on customer service and relaxed atmosphere in the shop. Deposits are taken on all items and all communion sales are recorded to try and avoid duplicate sales (very important especially in the smaller schools!). There is also a full range of accessories, shoes, tiaras, bags, headpieces, veils etc.
For the boys they have formal and casual wear with suits from Club 1880, Device and Cenario, shirt and tie sets in up to the minute trend colours and more casual wear like jeans, shirts and jumpers from Diesel, Club 1880 and Krickets.
Over the past year or so the style for boys is getting a little less traditional with skinny leg trendy suits worn with converse runners now becoming very popular. The girls are still very traditional and D Biggins carries such a large range of dresses that all styles are catered for, everything from the very plain dress to the very ornate. The dresses start at 99euro with the majority around 160euro. The boy’s suits start at 85euro. D Biggins, Church Lane, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo. 094 9542444 Open Mon - Sat 10-6pm. Check their facebook page D biggins shop if you want to have a quick look at it.
Relax Kids new to Galway
Nicole Lordan, a Galway-based massage therapist, reflexologist and relaxation coach, has brought the Relax Kids concept to the west of Ireland. The ‘Relax Kids’ course involves a combination of storytelling and exercises, stretching, breathing and peer massage, as well as positive affirmations, discussions about emotions, healthy living, mood management, visualisation and relaxation.www.relaxkids.com. As well as running Chill Skills programmes in schools around Galway, Nicole runs workshops for parents and Relax Kids after-school classes in Tuam and Athenry. Private sessions are also available for parents who want to learn how to teach relaxation skills to their children. Contact Nicole on Tel 086-7930196 for more information.
Cén t-am é? is a children's interactive book about learning how to tell the time. It is as Gaeilge and is suitable for children aged 5+. There is a clock with hands which the child can move to show the time displayed on the page. She can then lift the flap on each page to check her answer. It is colourful and thus very appealing to a child. It is hard backed and very chunky and so durable for busy little hands. The words are simple, making it easier for parents who are not particularly comfortable with the language to read it with their child. Written by Kildare parent Siobhain Grogan, Cén t-am é is one of the six shortlisted books for young people for the Réics Carló Book of the Year award and is available in bookshops now.
Treat Coughs, Colds, Flu and Nits the natural way
During the autumn & winter season, children and parents, fall prey to a host of viruses such as sore throats, coughs, colds, flu and even nits. Homeopathy can be very effective at treating these acute illnesses, while at the same time strengthening your overall health and immunity. This spring we will be running ‘Get Started in Homeopathy’ workshops in Dublin, Cork and Galway. For less than the cost of a GP visit learn how to take control of your family’s health which is also indirectly cost saving to the household. During the workshop, participants will be taught how to prescribe for common acute complaints (sudden and short term conditions) such as coughs, colds, flu, and first aid remedies in a natural way. Homeopathy is also very effective in treating chronic or long-term conditions such recurrent respiratory infections, eczema, asthma, migraines, and much more. Chronic complaints should be treated by a registered Homeopath.
Contact Angie Murphy at Irish School of Homeopathy, 01-8682581 info@ish.ie & www.ish.ie and find a registered list of homeopaths at www.irishhomeopathy.ie
Off We Go! books are designed to help prepare children for first experiences like ‘Going to the Dentist’, ‘Going on a plane’ and many more. They have proven to be of benefit for children with special needs and in particular autism, as well as any young child experiencing these activities for the first time. The books are written by a mum, Avril Webster for her son Stephen, who has a developmental delay including sensory integration dysfunction and are beautifully illustrated by a very talented young artist, David Ryley. They are an ideal gift for any young child especially those with special needs / autism. Also popular with teachers, special schools, speech and language therapists and parents. www.offwego.ie
Special Stories Series 2itroduces all children to four special education needs including dyslexia, autism/ASD, Down syndrome and children who are deaf or who have hearing issues. The stories help children to learn the importance of accepting friends and classmates who are ‘different’ to them, featuring a main character with a certain special education need. A silver medal 2009 International Moonbeam Award Winner, Special Stories also donate a percentage of all sales from the series to Down Syndrome Ireland, Irish Autism Action, Dyslexia Association of Ireland and IrishDeafKids.ie Available in Easons, Waterstones, and other good bookstores nationwide, or online at www.specialstories.ie
NCTE: Webwise - Internet Safety
Get your school ready for Safer Internet Day - Register your school for free and get ready to be involved in Safer Internet Day 2012. Safer Internet Day (SID) is 7th February 2012 and you can register your school on the website www.ncte.ie Registered schools will receive a SID kit in January 2012 including information about SID, promotional materials, suggested learning and awareness activities, and eSafety resources.
Ring if you don’t see a buoy!
Local authorities on their regular checks, particularly in urban areas, discover that Ringbuoys are often missing. The national launch of www.ringbuoys.ie lets the public report missing or damaged ringbuoys directly to a local authority so that they can be replaced without delay. Irish Water Safety appeals to the public to assist in maintaining these vitally important lifesaving appliances. An average of 158 people drown in Ireland each year. Most of these tragic deaths are preventable www.iws.ie
New science based competition for primary schools
Primary schools across the country are being urged to take part in a major new science competition, sponsored by telecoms giant Ericsson in association with the Atlantic Corridor development agency. The competition, which is curriculum-linked, aims to provide students with an insight into science and maths in today’s world. For more info, log ontowww.atlanticcorridor.ie
FÍS Film Festival
The FÍS Film Festival took place on the 16th November 2011. FÍS is a wonderful celebration of the creativity and imagination of children and teachers in Irish schools. The annual event sees schools from all over Ireland creating short films from animations, documentaries to educational dramas. For a list of winners check www.ncte.ie. and visit www.fisfestival.com for resources, ideas about film-making and how to enter next year!
Scientists and campaigners call to protect children from the health risks of mobile phones
A new report is warning that children’s health is being jeopardised by the failure of Government and phone companies to act on mobile phone health hazards. UK charity MobileWise says children are at risk of serious health problems, including brain tumours and infertility, from the rising use of mobile phones. The charity is calling for children to be informed about how to limit their exposure – including keeping calls to a minimum, texting, using headsets and keeping phones away from the head and groin. For more information on the report and the Safe Mobile Code go to www.mobilewise.org
Birthday Gift Shopping for Children Made Easy
AN arty innovation designed to bring out your child’s creative side is available from birthdaygifts4children.ie The Lil Davinci Art Cabinet provides three solutions in one - a showcase for children’s art work, a store of up to 50 A4 sheets of art and or certificates, and a souvenir of your child’s artistic talent. This unique product is on offer at Birthday Gifts, run by mum-of-three Brenda Mackle, which aims to take the hassle out of selecting fun but educational presents for children aged 3-11. Parents can also browse their select range of products at www.birthdaygifts4children.ie Gifts are delivered by courier for a flat rate of €6.45 anywhere in Ireland with free gift wrapping, gift card with personal message. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/birthdaygifts4children
